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- Nagano Shinkansen
The Asama service on the Nagano Shinkansen line began in 1997, one year in advance of the Nagano Olympics, and travels from Tokyo to Nagano as fast as 1 hour, 25 minutes. Along the way, the line passes over Usui Pass, arriving in the historical resort town of Karuizawa. As you continue forward, you can see Mount Asama to the right, for which the Asama service is named, and then a valley opens up with an abundance of apricot and apple cultivation. Soon, you come to Zenkoji Temple and Nagano City.
Special Promotion
Hiking Event to be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012
The sight of snow monkeys soaking in a hot spring will warm the cockles of your heart, and you can enjoy the ambience of a hot spring resort.
The Train Line-up
- Series E2
Asama: Tokyo - Nagano
Places of Interest
- Karuizawa developed with a unique culture after Archdeacon Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian missionary, made it a popular summer location to escape from the heat of lower lands. The beauty of such historical buildings as the Karuizawa Kogen Church and the Kyu-Mikasa Hotel attracts many people to this town. Using the Nagano Shinkansen, Karuizawa can be reached from Tokyo in about an hour, making it a great leisure spot for golf, horse riding, and outlet mall shopping or just some quiet time to enjoy any of the four seasons.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station. 
- Located a 15-minute bus ride from Nagano Station is Zenkoji Temple, whose 1400-year-old main building is a designated national treasure. Not affiliated with a particular Buddhist sect, it is visited by a wide range of people. A popular treat in Nagao is the oyaki, a dumpling unique to the area, made with wheat or buckwheat flour for the outside bun. Typical fillings change with the seasons, but include vegetables and a bean paste.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station. 
- The northern portion of Nagano Prefecture is referred to as Kita Shinano, known for its beautiful mountains and many hot spring villages. One of these is the Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley) Hot Spring, located in the deepest folds of the mountains. It can be reached on the Nagano Electric Railway, about an hour from Nagano Station. While there, visit Yaen Park to see wild snow monkeys (macaques) frolicking in the open-air baths.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station, about a 60-minute ride on the limited express. The bus provides local access.
Fastest Travel Times
| Interval | Train | Fastest Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Nagano | Asama | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
| Tokyo to Karuizawa | Asama | 1 hour, 02 minutes |
